Recently one of the FAITH team members shared how very much Sunday School meant to her - and her number is growing. The recent annual letter we prepare for the Rankin Baptist Association showed that First Baptist Church grew by four per cent last year in Sunday School to an average of 501 people each week.
Why is that important? Because Sunday School is one of the best markers we have for the overall health of our church. When people enroll and begin studying each week in Sunday School, it is likely they are growing in fellowship with other Christians. They are getting into the Word of God. They are growing in fellowship with other Christians. They are getting service opportunities for the Lord. They are maturing in faith. And, since Sunday School is the trough from which our other programs feed, they are helping other important aspects of the church such as the Women’s Ministry, the Youth program, the Music program, etc.
What we desire at First Baptist are not just decisions - important as they are. We are after disciples. Becoming a disciple starts with a decision. But it continues with a daily following of the Lord. And how can we follow Jesus without regular Bible study with other Christians?
So, keep up the good work. Spread the good news. Encourage your Sunday School teacher. Pray for your teacher and class members daily. And, pray about helping sponsor a new class. We need three or four new adult classes. Are you interested in being a missionary to help start one? Let Bro. Tim Tolleson know.
Love in Him,
Bill Patterson
P.S. Thank you for all the wonderful cards and thoughtful expressions of love which you shared with the staff and me during the month of October. We serve because the Lord has called us to the joy of ministry; however, to serve where we are loved makes such a difference. Thank you for making First Baptist a loving family in which to serve Him!
Posted on
Thursday, October 30, 2008
by Erica Sutphin